“And why have you sought me?”

“A woman’s reasons.  My husband and the Mem-sahib——­”

“You know, then, where she is?” quickly.

“Aye, Durga Ram; I alone know where she is hiding.”

He sent a shrewd glance into her eyes.  Had she wavered, ill would have befallen her.

“Tell me.”

“Follow.”

He laughed.  Near by stood two of the palace guards.  “All women are liars.  Why should I trust you?”

“That is true.  Why indeed should you trust me?” She turned and with bowed head started to walk away.

“Wait!” he called to her, at the same time motioning to the guards to follow at a distance.

“If I lead you to the Mem-sahib, it must be alone.”

“You say that you alone know where she is?”

“I meant that I alone will lead you to her.  And you must decide quickly, Durga Ram, for even now they are preparing for night, and this time they will go far.”

“Lead on.”

“Send the guards back to the palace.”

Umballa made a sign with his hand, but another with his eyes.  The guards fell back to the palace steps, understanding perfectly that they and others were to follow unseen.  Umballa knew instinctively that this was a trap.  He would apparently walk into it unsuspectingly; but those who sprung the trap would find no rat, but a tiger.  And after the manner of hungry tigers, he licked his chops.  A trap; a child could have discerned it.  But having faith in his star he followed Pundita.  Only once during the journey did he speak.

“Pundita, remember, if you have lied you will be punished.”

“Durga Ram, I have not lied.  I have promised to lead you to her, and lead you to her I shall.”

“Durga Ram,” he mused.  She did not give him his title of prince; indeed, she never had.  She was really the rightful heir to this crown; but her forbears had legally foresworn.  Ah! the Colonel Sahib’s camp.  Good!  He knew now that in Kathlyn’s escape he had the man Ahmed to reckon with.  Presently.

“She is there, Durga Ram.”

“And what more?” ironically.

His coolness caused her some uneasiness.  Had he, by means unknown to her, signed to the guards to follow?

Umballa entered the living-room of the bungalow.  It was apparently deserted.  He cast a quick glance about.  The curtains trembled suspiciously, and even as he noted it, Bruce, Ramabai and Ahmed sprang forth, carrying ropes.  Umballa made a dash for the door, but they were too quick for him.  Struggling, he was seized and bound; but all the while he was laughing inwardly.  Did they dream of trapping him in this childish fashion?  By now twenty or thirty of his paid men were drawing a cordon about the camp.  All of them should pay the full penalty for this act.  What mattered a few ropes?  He was rather puzzled as to the reason of their leaving his right arm free.